Unfortunately Michael is absent today! This work is to be competed by Michael's P block and T block A-level media classes. Remember, since you know roughly what's coming up in the final exam, this work is absolutely essential to complete! So answer every question, do all the research, and make sure you talk to Michael if there's anything you didn't find or understand!
Please complete every task, and please, feel free to work with someone else!
By the end of this lesson, you should have AT LEAST 20 bullet points that can go straight in to your exam!
Starter - regulation of online media: case study
Read this article, on how online pornography could be regulated in the UK. All of it please!
After you've finished reading the article, come up with at least five significant issues with this proposed regulation. You may be able to come up with many more.
This case study will be especially useful in the exam, as it underlines how ineffective the regulation of online media is, and how difficult it is to regulate online media!
Mini task : harm and offense
Read the below and copy it in to your notes on your blog
The internet is largely regulated in a “patchwork of regulation and voluntary initiatives”. This means that, in the UK, the internet is regulated in radically different ways depending on the site, but ultimately, it is up to the distributor of content to voluntarily regulate themselves. Therefore the internet is largely self-regulated. There are a number of reasons for this approach, including the rapid advancement of technology, and the simple fact that much of the internet is hosted in completely different countries with completely different laws and restrictions. You must communicate in the exam about the potential harms and problems the internet may present its users.
From your own knowledge, and with examples if possible, what are five potentially harmful aspects for users of online media?
Main task 1: Zoella/Zoe Sugg and regulation
With all this talk of harm and pornography, it is important to note that Zoella/Zoe Sugg is very different from much content on the internet... However, we must discuss the potential harm and offense that she may provide her target audience. This may be a bit of a reach...
Access the website zoella.co.uk, and click around for a bit. We've discussed how it appeals to it's audiences, but what potential issues of harm and offense are here? Please remember the age of the target audience before jumping to any massive conclusions... MAKE REFERENCE TO FIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
("she talks about sex" is NOT an explicit example. Make reference to media language where appropriate!)
Main task 2: Zoella and regulatory controversies
Harm and offense is not just limited to 'explicit content' and so on. It also refer to deliberately misleading a vulnerable audience.
This next task is best done with a friend, but can be easily done alone!
Find five examples of how Zoella/Zoe Sugg has potentially mislead her audience, or other controversies that may have caused harm, offense or so on. Please make sure these examples are DETAILED, and not just 'she said mean, harmful things'.
There are quite a few examples out there, but here are a few hints for what you could look for...
- Old tweets
- Offensive comments
- Undisclosed advertising
- Advent calendars